Planning A Timeless Proposal In NYC
a retro-inspired visual guide to: timelines, rings, booking a great documentary style photographer & more
From a Professional Photographer, Stylish Romantic, & Newly-wedded Groom - Who even shot his own proposal on film!
You've met the partner of your dreams! If you two met in NYC - you've already beaten the odds to find love!
Ready To
seriously - it's not easy!
Whether you met at a bar in Bushwick at 1am, running in Astoria Park, or at brunch in the West Village - I love hearing your 'meet-cute' story.
If you're bringing your partner to NYC to propose, because it is special to you both - but don't live here, there is truly nothing quite like it!
I'm Thinking About
Proposing To My Partner In NYC
Once you've spent a few years getting to know each other, maybe you've moved in together to save money on rent already - I mean the NYTimes found we tend to do that here...
You might be thinking about taking the next step with your relationship - maybe you're looking at a proposal in Central Park with friends and family - or just a one on one dinner and private moment by the water in Williamsburg.
A few months out from your planned proposal - consider ideating on a few locations that would be meaningful to you and your partner.
When / How Should I ...
Decide to Buy An Engagement Ring
If you're thinking about asking, good chance they are too!
Some people take more time than others time.
It took me 8 years... (what was I waiting for?!) but we had many check-ins along the way to talk about our readiness.
Relationship Milestones: Have you discussed marriage or long-term plans together? If you’ve mutually expressed a desire to spend your lives together, it might be time... if they've joked about it - they are probably serious.
Financial Readiness: Budgeting is key! With so many options these days, you can find a ring in any budget - but you'll want to make sure you have agreed on expectations for stone types, metals, etc.
Style Preferences: Pay attention to the jewelry they wear or enlist a trusted friend to help identify their preferences. Do you feel like you can confidently pick out something they'll love for years to come?
I Want To
My Partner
SURPRISE
If you've agreed that you're both ready - there is nothing better than a surprise proposal! If you feel like you have paid careful attention to her preferences - there is a good chance a qualified jeweler can help you to pick the perfect ring.
SURPRISE
Her cut preference and metal type are going to be your too absolute essentials for picking out something she will enjoy having for the rest of your lives together.
Lab-grown diamonds like those at Brilliant Earth have become incredibly common - and our ring was the top quality stone we could afford within our budget - with room to prioritize a platinum band, which was key to us for our rings over natural diamonds (Why Platinum v. Gold?)
Make sure you check their sizing! Getting a ring that is more than a size off for a proposal can be a devastating if it's too small... and risky if it's too loose on the day you plan to give it. We had a couple of CLOSE calls that weekend.
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I Want To
My Partner
INCLUDE
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This is a huge investment - and you want to get it right. If you are planning a proposal with space in your timeline - why not consider including your partner in the process!
INCLUDE
There are still plenty of ways to build out a dynamic surprise and beautiful day with your partner - even if they have a few ideas about the ring they are getting. Assuming you've discussed goals and timelines - this might be a valuable first step towards working together in your marriage process!
I picked out my wife's ring with her months before we ended up actually getting engaged. I then planned a surprise trip to Vermont ahead of the holidays, that ended up giving us the best of both worlds, without having to guess entirely on a major $$$ investment.
Whether you are giving the ring that weekend or months from now - I highly encourage getting an insurance policy against it before you take it out of the box. We used brite.co for all of our rings - until we ended up adding them to our existing bundled policy with our home/car.
We Need A Photographer
To Shoot Our Proposal?
How well do you remember your first date with your partner, your first trip together or other major milestones?
I seem to have a camera with me everywhere these days... because my memory isn't what is was. If you're not sure if a photographer is worth the trouble and investment - here are a few things I like to ask:
Are you going to want to share the great news with friends and family? Having beautiful, professional pictures of the two of you sharing this incredible moment makes it so easy to bring your friends and family into the fold. Grandma, is going to want to see!
Are you including friends or family capture your moment? If so, are they cued into the photos you want captured? A professional can help to ensure you look your absolute best - and to help you organize the final details for the day. It's our job!
Wouldn't it be great to have one less thing to stress about? You have already invested a lot into making this moment perfect for your partner. and having a great photographer in your corner can absolutely help to make your big day run even smoother.
What To Expect
From Your Photographer
Your photographer can be everything from a fly on the wall - to your ultimate fun-loving third wheel for the day. Every couple has different preferences!
It Should Feel Easy
During peak seasons like spring (Central Park blossoms) and winter (holiday lights) aim to book at least 2-3 months in advance.
If you are flexible on timing - ask your photog for date recommendations. I always mention to clients if a major event may impact that part of the city during their window, or if light/crowds may be an issue.
The process should feel easy - that's usually a good indication of how attentive they'll be for your day.
They'll Do Some Scouting
Share your proposal spot with the photographer so they can plan the perfect vantage point.
Iconic locations like the Brooklyn Bridge, Top of the Rock, or Bethesda Terrace are timeless choices, but popular locations can sometimes have multiple proposals within a few hours.
I always make sure to outline with each of the options for clients, and keep tabs on lighting, etc. for the area.
You Should Agree On Style
Do you want the proposal to be a surprise or part of a planned photo session? Can your photographer share any best practices and tips for either of these with you?
Do you think your partner will want some private time with you to emote and share in the moment before taking photos?
Your vibe and style should be understood - and this shouldn't feel like just another shoot.
We'll be
Traveling
To NYC
Great local photographers can help make other recommendations, if you aren't local to NYC. I've lived in the city for over a decade and have made 1000s of restaurant and hotel recommendations to friends, family and clients. You're paying your photographer to be your eyes and ears on the ground.
A potential red flag for booking an inexperienced photographer: your photographer isn't invested in helping to make your entire trip a success from your initial call with them. If you don't feel like you're being guided to a successful experience consider exploring someone who can help with your unique needs.
I'll never leave a couple high and dry, with a chain restaurant and hotel recommendation in a bad part of town (unless you're as big of a fan of Chili's as I am...) - but not every photographer has that approach.
We'll Take
The Local
Even if you've lived in NYC for years - you probably haven't explored nearly as many scenic spots with the intention of creating a once in a lifetime moment there. Leave that up to me!
I have spent countless hours photographing in so many corners of this city - I can almost always provide specific route and recommendations based on your vibe!
I find every corner of this city absolutely magical - and it is so easy to plan an entire day of new activities in a new part of town, that can even make your 'local proposal' feel exotic and special.
The best part about taking the subway (and maybe the only good part?) to your proposal - is that by keeping parts of the day pretty ordinary, you can really help to dial up the surprise factor.
ready to ask the question
big
?
It's Showtime!
By the time you arrive to your perfect spot - as determined by you and your photographer - you should only have one thing on your mind.
Asking your partner to spend your lives together.
If you are hiring a photographer to capture the moment - you'll likely want to look the part. Encourage friends or family to get your partner out in the weeks leading up to your big day to get their nails or hair done.
Be mindful of raising too much suspicion
- if this isn't a normal part of your partner's routine, making it part of a surprise SPA day
or similar might be a good distraction!
For your outfits, wearing something with minimal branding and solid patterns will allow your partner's outfit to stand out.
I generally encourage you to have your partner wear something that will 'pop' against your outfit and help them standout during this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Ah-mazing!
Proposing in NYC is a magical experience that requires thoughtful planning and occasionally a bit of help from boots on the ground.
From buying the ring to coordinating with loved ones, each detail adds to the story you'll tell for years to come.Remember, the most important thing is that your proposal reflects your love story. With the right preparation, you’ll create a moment your partner will treasure forever.
Your photographer should be excited to help make this a reality for you - not treat you like another shoot on their calendar. Whether it is style guidance, venues, or just general tips on the entire proposal and engagement process - trusting a pro photographer, who also happens to have taken the plunge is a great way to make your day a success.
